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Draft:Jamal Tazi

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Jamal Tazi
Born1959
Rabat, Morocco
NationalityFrench, Moroccan
Alma materUniversity of Montpellier
Known forRNA metabolism, Alternative splicing, RNA-based therapies
Scientific career
FieldsMolecular biology, Biotechnology
InstitutionsUniversity of Montpellier, CNRS, Abivax

Jamal Tazi (born 1959 in Rabat, Morocco) is a Franco-Moroccan molecular biologist and biotechnology entrepreneur. He is a professor at the University of Montpellier, specializing in RNA metabolism, alternative splicing, and RNA-based therapeutic strategies.

Education

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Tazi obtained a Ph.D. in molecular and cellular biology in France in 1988 at the University of Montpellier.[1][irrelevant citation] He conducted postdoctoral research from 1988 to 1990 at the Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP) in Vienna, Austria, where he studied chromatin structure and the regulation of CpG islands.[2][irrelevant citation]

Academic career

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In 1990, Tazi joined the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) as a junior scientist and was promoted to senior scientist in 1993.[3][irrelevant citation] In 1996, he established a research group at the Institute of Molecular Genetics of Montpellier (IGMM), focusing on the regulation of RNA metabolism, particularly alternative splicing during cell proliferation, differentiation, and development.[4][irrelevant citation]

In 2005, he was appointed full professor at the University of Montpellier.[1]

Entrepreneurship and Industry Contributions

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In a 2007 interview with Futura Sciences, Tazi discussed the development of IDC-16, a molecule aimed at inhibiting HIV replication by interfering with the virus's use of cellular processes.[5]

In 2014, Tazi co-founded Abivax, a biopharmaceutical company developing therapies for inflammatory and infectious diseases, and became Vice President of Research from 2019 to 2024.[6]

Research conducted at Abivax led to the development of ABX464, a molecule investigated for its potential in HIV treatment. According to 20 Minutes, ABX464 was described as "a molecule that could revolutionize HIV treatment."[7][failed verification]

Tazi contributed to research identifying ABX464’s mechanism of action, including the induction of the anti-inflammatory microRNA miR-124.[8][9] The molecule, later renamed obefazimod, advanced to Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of ulcerative colitis and is being evaluated for other chronic inflammatory diseases.[10]

Public Recognition and Media Appearances

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Tazi appeared on the France 24 program Daif wa Massira, where he discussed his research and career.[11] His scientific work has been featured in media outlets such as France TV Info,[9] Le Matin,[12] H24 Info,[13] and Midi Libre.[14] He is also listed in Who's Who in France and Who's Who Worldwide.[15]

Scientific Contributions

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Tazi has authored over 151 peer-reviewed scientific publications and contributed to several book chapters.[16] As of 2025, his work has achieved an H-index of 45.[16] He holds or co-holds 26 patents related to RNA biology and therapeutic applications.[17]

Awards and Honors

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  • 1999: Prize of the French Academy of Sciences for research in molecular biology.[18]
  • 2006: Prize of the French Academy of Medicine.[19]
  • 2009: ARRI Award for French Influence.[20]
  • 2017: CNRS Medal for Innovation.[21]

Teaching and Training

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Tazi has supervised 27 doctoral theses and organized several advanced training courses and conferences in molecular biology and RNA therapeutics.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Université de Montpellier". https://www.umontpellier.fr (in French). Retrieved 2025-05-14. {{cite web}}: External link in |website= (help)
  2. ^ Pathology, Research Institute of Molecular. "Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP) | Molecular Biology at Vienna BioCenter". The Research Institute of Molecular Pathology. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  3. ^ "Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS)". www.cnrs.fr (in French). 2025-05-13. Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  4. ^ "IGMM – Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier" (in French). Retrieved 2025-05-14.
  5. ^ "Podcast : l'espoir d'une nouvelle arme anti-Sida". Futura Sciences. 9 November 2007. Retrieved 29 April 2025.
  6. ^ Abivax. "About Us." Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [1]
  7. ^ "Montpellier: ABX464, a molecule that could revolutionize HIV treatment." 20 Minutes. 14 February 2017. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
  8. ^ Drug Discovery Today. "Discovery and development of obefazimod as an anti-inflammatory agent." Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [2]
  9. ^ a b "A new way to block HIV virus replication." France TV Info. 24 February 2016. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
  10. ^ "Montpellier: Jamal Tazi awarded the CNRS Innovation Medal." Actu.fr. 13 June 2017. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
  11. ^ "Interview with Professor Jamal Tazi." France 24 - Daif wa Massira. 15 February 2023. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
  12. ^ "Jamal Tazi develops a new weapon against HIV." Le Matin. 3 May 2017. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
  13. ^ "Moroccan researcher invents a molecule to neutralize HIV." H24 Info. 4 May 2017. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
  14. ^ "A new molecule discovered in Montpellier to fight HIV." Midi Libre. 20 April 2015. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
  15. ^ Entry in Who's Who in France.
  16. ^ a b Jamal Tazi. ORCID Profile. Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [3]
  17. ^ Jamal Tazi Patents. Justia Patents. Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [4]
  18. ^ French Academy of Sciences. "Prize Winners." Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [5]
  19. ^ French Academy of Medicine. "Awards." Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [6]
  20. ^ Association ARRI. "Award Recipients." Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [7]
  21. ^ CNRS News. "Laureates of the CNRS Medal of Innovation 2017." Retrieved April 28, 2025, from [8]